News
Council of Europe deeply concerned that yet another election that was neither free nor fair took place in Belarus on 26 January
In a democratic society, elections must guarantee the free expression of will of all its members and plurality of views. Respect for the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association is...
Joint statement by Secretary General Alain Berset and Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau
Eighty years have passed since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, but the deep wound it left in our collective consciousness is still raw. This sombre anniversary is for all the victims. More...
Secretary General calls for stronger democracy and dialogue in address to Parliamentary Assembly
On 28 January 2025 Secretary General Alain Berset addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The key points of his speech are outlined below. You can read the full speech here....
80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp
Address by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset Inauguration of the Memorial Garden on the site of the former Synagogue at Quai Kléber, Strasbourg Deputy Minister to the...
National mourning in France in tribute to the victims of the cyclone which devastated the department of Mayotte: statement by the Secretary General
On the occasion of the day of national mourning in France, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, expressed his deep solidarity with the French people and the inhabitants of...
Secretary General reacts to attack at Magdeburg Christmas market
Reacting to the attack on 20 December, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset said: "The barbaric attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg is a deep wound inflicted to the European Family...
Secretary General concludes visit to Georgia
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded his three-day visit to Georgia today. He made the following statement at a press conference in Tbilisi today, focusing on fundamental...
Tributes Paid to Former Council of Europe Secretary General and Parliamentary Assembly Member Terry Davis
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos have expressed their sadness at the death of Terry Davis, who served as Council of Europe...
Let this Human Rights Day be the turning point we need
Amid all the troubles and deep concerns facing Europe and the wider world, it is important that on this Human Rights Day we remember that the future is ours to decide – and that the time to act is...
Secretary General Alain Berset visits Ukraine, confirms next steps in support
The Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded a three-day visit to Ukraine (4-6 December), during which he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed next steps in the Council of Europe’s...